Game-based incentives for location-based actions

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for providing game-based incentives to users of online games as a reward for performing actions at physical locations.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priorityunder 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/174,715,filed on Jun. 30, 2011, which is a continuation of and claims thebenefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/856,508, filed on Aug. 13, 2010, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to games and applications ingeneral and in particular to computer-implemented online games, such asonline role-playing games (RPGs), playable by more than one person frommore than one location.

BACKGROUND

In many games, there is a virtual world or some other imagined playingspace where a player of the game controls one or more player characters(herein “characters,” “player characters,” or “PCs”). Player characterscan be considered in-game representations of the controlling player. Asused here, the terms player, user, entity, and friend may refer to thein-game player character controlled by that player, user, entity, orfriend, unless context suggests otherwise. A game display can display arepresentation of the player character. A game engine accepts inputsfrom the player, determines player character actions, decides outcomesof events, and presents the player with a game display illuminating whathappened. In some games, there are multiple players, wherein each playercontrols one or more player characters.

In many computer games, there are various types of in-game assets (aka“rewards” or “loot”) that a player character can obtain within the game.For example, a player character may acquire game points, gold coins,experience points, character levels, character attributes, virtual cash,or other in-game items of value. In some games, the goal of the game maybe to acquire in-game rewards. For example, a player may strive toachieve a high score by accumulating points that are granted forperforming in-game tasks or overcoming in-game obstacles.

Many online computer games are operated on an online social network.Such a network allows both users and other parties to interact with thecomputer games directly, whether to play the games or to retrieve game-or user-related information.

Many operators of physical (i.e., “real-world”) locations allow users toconduct a variety of actions on their property, such as visiting thelocation, performing certain tasks or actions at the location,purchasing goods and services at the location, etc. Goods can includeitems that are physical and tangible, items that are deliveredelectronically to the user over the Internet, and items that aredelivered through conventional distribution channels (e.g., a commoncarrier).

As used herein, a user is a player of an online computer game.Additionally, as used herein, an item can include a good or serviceoffered by a location operator. Similarly, as used herein, a purchase(or order) can include buying, renting, or licensing an item from alocation operator.

Internet users may maintain one or more accounts with various serviceproviders, including online gaming systems, online social networkingsystems, online merchant systems, physical location systems, etc. Onlinesystems can typically be accessed using browser clients (e.g., Firefox,Chrome, Internet Explorer). Locations may also include networkaddressable systems that can communicate over a wide area networkenvironment, such as the Internet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system for implementing variousdisclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2A shows a flowchart illustrating an example method for generatingan incentive reward based on game state.

FIG. 2B shows a flowchart illustrating an example method for generatingan incentive reward based on location attributes.

FIG. 2C shows a flowchart illustrating an example method for generatinga location-based action based on game state.

FIG. 2D shows a flowchart illustrating an example method for generatinga location-based action based on location attributes.

FIG. 2E shows a flowchart illustrating an example method for proposing alocation-based action to a user.

FIG. 2F shows a flowchart illustrating an example method fortransferring an incentive reward to a user for performing alocation-based action.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic of a system and data flow.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example network environment.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example computer system architecture.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system for implementing variousdisclosed embodiments. In various embodiments, system 100 comprises User101, location 115, verification system 118, location networking system120 a, gaming system 120 b, client system 130, and network 160. Thecomponents of system 100 can be connected to each other in any suitableconfiguration, using any suitable type of connection. The components maybe connected directly or over a network 160, which may be any suitablenetwork (e.g., the Internet).

User 101 is a player of one or more online computer games. Game system120 b is a network addressable computing system that hosts the one ormore online games. Game system 120 b can generate, store, and transmitgame account data and game state data associated with one or more users.An online game can be accessed by client system 130 directly, vianetwork 160, or via a third-party system (e.g., a social networkingsite). Client system 130 can be any suitable computing device, such as apersonal computer, laptop, cellular phone, smart phone, computingtablet, etc. Location 115 is a physical place that has one or morelocation attributes associated with it. User 101 can visit location 115and perform one or more location-based actions there. Location 115 cancontain one or more verification systems 118, which can verify if andwhen User 101 has performed a location-based action at location 115.Verification system 118 can generate, store, and transmit actionverification data, which is data comprising information on one or moreusers and one or more location-based actions associated with the users.Location system 120 a is a network addressable computing system that canreceive, store, and transmit location attribute data, actionverification data, and other data associated with location 115 andverification system 118. Location system 120 a can be accessed by theother components in system 100 either directly or via network 160. Insome embodiments, User 101 can physically bring his client system 130 tolocation 115 (e.g., if client system 130 is a smart phone). Clientsystem 130 may then be able to interact directly with location 115 orverification system 118.

Game Systems

In an online game, a game engine manages the game state of the game.Game state comprises all in-game parameters, including player characterstate, non-player character (NPC) state, in-game assets and othervirtual items, in-game obstacles, game parameters (e.g., internal gameclocks, game environment), and other in-game elements or features. Eachplayer controls one or more player characters (PCs). The game enginecontrols all other aspects of the game, including non-player characters(NPCs), in-game obstacles, and other game elements. The game engine alsomanages game state, including player character state for currentlyactive (online) and inactive (offline) players.

A player character can have a set of attributes associated with theplayer character. As used herein, player character state can refer toone or more in-game attributes of a player character, such as in-gamelocation, assets, levels, condition, health, status, inventory, skillset, name, orientation, affiliation, specialty, and so on. The gameengine may use player character state to determine the outcome of gameevents, sometimes also considering set or random variables. Generally, aplayer character's probability of having a more favorable outcome isgreater when the player character has a better state. For example, ahealthier player character is less likely to die in a particularencounter relative to a weaker player character or non-player character.

In various embodiments, an online game can provide a mechanism forplayer characters to acquire in-game assets, which are a type of virtualitem or thing that provide some type of in-game benefit to a playercharacter. In some embodiments, an in-game asset can provide an in-gamebenefit for the player character by improving the player character'sstate. The improved player character state could increase the playercharacter's likelihood or ability to advance in the game, or otherwiseimprove game play. For example, in-game assets could be characterlevels, ability points, skill points, hit points, mana points, combatbonuses, etc. In-game assets can also be virtual representations of reallife things such as cash, chattel, precious valuables, personalproperty, real property, weapons, vehicles, titles, jobs, etc. In-gameassets can also include mythical and fantasy things, such as manna,magical items, potions, relics, artifacts, etc.

An online game can be hosted by game networking system 120 b, which canbe accessed using any suitable connection with an appropriate clientsystem 130. A player may have a game account on game system 120 b,wherein the game account can contain a variety of information associatedwith the player (e.g., the player's personal information, financialinformation, purchase history, player character state, game state). Insome embodiments, a player may play multiple games on game networkingsystem 120 b, which may maintain a single game account for the playerwith respect to all the games, or multiple individual game accounts foreach game with respect to the player. In some embodiments, game system120 b can assign a unique identifier to each player of an online gamehosted on game system 120 b. Game system 120 b can determine that a useris accessing the online game by reading the user's cookies, which may beappended to HTTP requests transmitted by client system 130, and/or bythe user logging onto the online game.

Locations

As used herein, a location is a specific physical place in the realworld. For example, location 115 could be a store, restaurant, mall,business office, building, park, street venue, library, etc. Location115 can have various systems associated with it, including verificationsystem 118 and location system 120 a. As used herein, the operator oflocation 115 is the person or entity that owns, possesses, operates, orotherwise controls location 115. Furthermore, as used herein, a user oflocation 115 is a person who can enter, visit, use, purchase, or performsome other action at location 115. This can include past, present, andfuture users of location 115. In various embodiments; a player of anonline game may also be a user of location 115.

In various embodiments, location 115 can have one or more devices forcommunicating with game system 120 b. Verification system 118 orlocation system 120 a can communicate with game system 120 b, eitherdirectly or via network 160. In some embodiments, verification system118 and location system 120 a are part of the same computing system.

Location Attributes

In various embodiments, location 115 can have one or more attributesassociated with it. These location attributes include a variety ofdetails about location 115. Location attributes can include, forexample: details regarding goods and services available at the location,such as the type, price, quantity, quality, brand, size, description,and other details of the goods and services available at the location;the purchase history of good and services at the location; corporate andintellectual property information of the location, such as any brands,trademarks, logos, and other such information associated with thelocation; the location-based action history of players of one or moreonline games at the location, such as the type of location-basedactions, proposed location-based actions, performed location-basedactions, and other information regarding location-based actionsassociated with the location; personal and demographic information ofusers of the location, such as name, sex, race, ethnicity, age, income,education, employment status, address, credit information, purchasehistory, and other personal or demographic information of the users ofthe location; geographic information of the location, such as theposition, elevation, size, orientation, GPS coordinates, relation toother locations, local terrain, weather, and other geographicinformation of the location; and other descriptive informationassociated with the location.

In various embodiments, the location attributes of location 115 can bestored in a location account. The examples described herein assume thatthe location account is stored on location system 120 a, however this isnot intended to be limiting. The location account can be stored on anysuitable data store, including location system 120 a, game system 120 b,a third-party system, a distributed data store, or any combination oftwo or more of the above.

In some embodiments, the location attributes of location 115 can bedetermined by accessing a website or other network addressable systemthat contains details about location 115. For example, a computingsystem can access a website associated with location 115, such as acorporate website or an online shopping catalog, and analyze the websitefor text, keywords, prices, concepts, meta tags, and other detailsassociated with location 115.

User Identification

In various embodiments, location system 120 a can identify users oflocation 115 by a variety of methods. The methods described below arenot intended to be limiting, and one of ordinary skill in the art wouldrecognize that other methods can be used to identify a user.

In some embodiments, location system 120 a can identify a user when theuser purchases an item at location 115. When a user purchases an item atlocation 115, location system 120 a may collect purchase informationfrom the user, including the user's name, credit card number, billingaddress, shipping address, email address, etc. For example, if User 101visits a store and purchases an item with a credit card, location system120 a could use the information contained on the credit card to identifyUser 101.

In some embodiments, location system 120 a can identify a user based onsome form of identification presented by the user at location 115. Auser could present a membership card, discount card, coupon, ticket,code, driver's license, passport, or other item that containsidentifying information about the user at location 115. For example,User 101 may have a ticket with a scannable QR code that containsidentifying information. The ticket can be scanned at location 115,thereby allowing location system 120 a to identify User 101.

In some embodiments, location system 120 a can identify a user based onthe user's proximity to location 115. A user's proximity can bedetermined using various devices or applications, such as a GPS device,a social networking site (e.g., Facebook, Twitter), a location trackingsite (e.g., Foursquare, Google Latitude), a location reservation site(e.g., OpenTable, Expedia), etc. Location system 120 a could then accessthis proximity information to identify the user. For example, if User101 enters a store, he could access Foursquare via any suitablecomputing device to indicate that he is at the store, and Foursquarecould transmit this information to location system 120 a, therebyinforming it that User 101 is at the store. In another example, location115 could have a QR code printed inside the location, which User 101could photograph with a mobile client system 130 (e.g., a smart phone)and transmit to location system 120 a. In yet another example, if User101 makes a reservation to dine at a restaurant on OpenTable, locationsystem 120 a could identify User 101 when he checks in with the maîtred' at the restaurant.

In some embodiments, location system 120 a can identify a user when theuser provides an indication of the user's presence at location 115. Auser could check-in with a host, log-in to a computing device, activatea button or switch, or perform some other type of action to indicate theuser's presence at location 115, which could then be transmitted tolocation system 120 a. For example, if User 101 visits a hotel, locationsystem 120 a could identify User 101 when he checks in with the hotelclerk. In another example, if User 101 accesses a computing system atlocation 115, location system 120 a could identify User 101 when he logsinto the computing system.

In some embodiments, location system 120 a or game system 120 b or canidentify a user based on a search engine query made by the user. Forexample, if User 101 queries a search engine (e.g., Google or Yahoo)that has information that identifies User 101, that information can betransmitted to location system 120 a or game system 120 b along with anyother relevant information (e.g., the search query made by User 101) soeither system could to identify User 101.

In some embodiments, while identifying a user, location system 120 a mayalso collect information related to one or more game accounts associatedwith the user, including any unique game account identifiers assigned tothe user. For example, User 101 may gain entrance to location 115 bypresenting a ticket with a scannable QR code, which contains informationidentifying User 101 and information about. User 101's unique identifieron an online game. After this ticket is scanned at location 115, theidentifying information can be transmitted to location system 120 a.

In some embodiments, location system 120 a can assign a uniqueidentifier to each user of location 115. Location system 120 a canassign a username, identification number, or other unique identifier.Location system 120 a can also utilize any unique identifier assigned tothe user by game system 120 b.

Offering Incentive Rewards for Performing Location-Based Actions

A user of an online game hosted by game system 120 b can also be a userof location 115. Location operators may find it desirable to providesome type of incentive to encourage these users to perform one or morelocation-based actions. Some users may be incentivized to performcertain location-based actions when offered an in-game asset for anonline game. As used herein, an incentive reward is an in-game asset inan online game that is offered to a user of the online game forcompleting one or more location-based actions. For example, theincentive reward could be a specific in-game asset (e.g., a Sword ofDestruction +5) that provides a particular in-game benefit (e.g.,increasing a player character's ability to defeat in-game opponents). Asused herein, a location-based action is a type of action that can beperformed at one or more locations by a user of an online game, whereinthe action is proposed to the user as part of an offer for an incentivereward. For example, a location-based action could be entering,visiting, using, purchasing, or performing some other action at location115.

In some embodiments, a distributor or manufacturer of an item canincentivize users of an online game to purchase the item from alocation. For example, the distributor or manufacturer of a specificsoft drink may offer an in-game incentive for purchasing a can of thesoft drink from any location. While this disclosure generally discusseslocation-based actions with respect to a location, the embodimentsdisclosed herein are also applicable to location-based actions withrespect to a distributor or manufacturer of an item, unless contextsuggests otherwise.

Incentive Rewards

An incentive reward is an in-game asset in an online game hosted by gamesystem 120 b that is offered to a user of the online game for completingone or more location-based actions. An incentive reward could be, forexample, game points, virtual currency, experience points, characterlevels, character attributes, virtual items, or other in-game assets.

Incentive Offer Search Systems

In various embodiments, game system 120 b can include an incentive offersearch system, which is a network addressable computing system that isoperative to generate and/or select an incentive reward in response to arequest from another computing system, such as location system 120 a,game system 120 b, or client system 130. The incentive offer searchsystem may be a central system accessible to one or more systems over awide area network, or a local system accessible to a single domain. Thepresent disclosure assumes the incentive offer search system is asubsystem of game system 120 b, however it is possible that theincentive offer search system is part of location system 120 a or evenan independent remote system.

In one embodiment, the incentive offer search system includes one ormore physical servers and an incentive offer data store. The incentiveoffer data store can store content information containing incentiveoffer creative content and URLs or identifiers to content or otherresources hosted by game system 120 b or location system 120 a. Thecontent may be stored in association with a game engine or game accountinformation on game system 120 b.

In various embodiments, the incentive offer search system determines anappropriate incentive reward to offer to a user for performing one ormore location-based actions. The incentive reward can be determined by avariety of methods (e.g., statically, randomly, dynamically).

In some embodiments, the incentive reward can be determined statically,such that the incentive reward offered is the same for all users. Forexample, User 101 might be offered an incentive reward of $20,000 invirtual poker chips for purchasing a lawnmower at location 115, and thissame incentive reward would be offered to all other users.

In some embodiments, the incentive reward can be determined dynamically,such that the incentive reward offered may vary based on a variety offactors. For example, the incentive reward can be determined based onlocation attributes, game state, or other parameters.

Determining Incentive Rewards Based on Game State

In various embodiments, the incentive offer search system can determinean appropriate incentive reward based on game state data stored on gamesystem 120 b. The incentive offer search system can access the user'sgame account to retrieve various game state data (e.g., the games playedby the user, the user's player character state) and then identify anincentive reward appropriate for that user based on that data.

In some embodiments, the incentive offer search system can considerthematic, topical, or categorical relationships between a possibleincentive reward and a game state variable to determine an appropriateincentive reward. For example, the incentive offer search system mayquery game system 120 b to determine that User 101 is a player in ZyngaDragon Wars and that User 101's player character is a 5th level elf. Theincentive offer search system may then determine that an ElvenInvisibility Cloak is an appropriate incentive reward for a 5th levelelf based on the thematic relationship between and player character'srace and the incentive reward.

In some embodiments, the incentive offer search system can considerplayer character state, such as in-game assets and other attributes of aplayer character, to determine an appropriate incentive reward. Forexample, if User 101 has $25,000 in virtual poker chips in Zynga Poker,the incentive offer search system may determine that an incentive rewardof $10,000 in virtual poker chips is appropriate, but if User 101 has$100,000 in virtual poker chips, an incentive reward of $30,000 may bedetermined appropriate based on his current in-game assets, wherein theincentive reward is scaled to User 101's current in-game assets. Inanother example, if User 101 has five purple gems and zero orange gemsin Zynga Treasure Isle, the incentive offer search, system may determinethat two orange gems is an appropriate incentive reward for User 101based on his current in-game assets, wherein the incentive reward isselected so that User 101 is not offered a redundant in-game asset.

In some embodiments, where a user plays more than one game hosted bygame system 120 b, the incentive offer search system can generateincentive rewards corresponding to one or more of the games. Game system120 b can host a plurality of online games, and a particular user mayplay one or more of these games and control one or more playercharacters in each game. If the user plays more than one game on gamesystem 120 b, the incentive offer search system may generate anincentive reward corresponding to one or more of these games. Theincentive offer search system can determine which games to generateincentive rewards for by examining the user's game account informationwith respect to each game and analyzing a variety of factors (e.g., theuser's frequency of play, duration of play, play preferences, socialnetwork information). In a particular embodiment, the incentive offersearch system can generate an incentive reward for one game from theplurality of games. For example, if User 101 plays Zynga Poker onaverage ten hours a week, but only plays Zynga Mafia Wars on averagefive hours per week, the incentive offer search system may determinethat User 101 prefers playing Zynga Poker and may only generate anincentive reward for that game. Alternatively, the incentive offersearch system may generate an incentive reward for Zynga Mafia Warsinstead as a means of encouraging User 101 to increase his game playtime in that game. The offer search system may also consider a user'ssocial network information for multiuser online games that interfacewith social networking systems. For example, if User 101 has twentyfriends who play Zynga Poker but fifty friends who play Zynga MafiaWars, the incentive offer search system may determine that User 101prefers playing Zynga Mafia Wars and only generate an incentive rewardfor that game.

In some embodiments, the incentive offer search system can generateincentive rewards for two or more games. In one embodiment, theincentive offer search system can generate incentive rewards for aplurality of games. For example, if User 101 plays both Zynga Poker andZynga Mafia Wars, the offer search system may offer an incentive rewardof $10,000 in virtual poker chips (for Zynga Poker) and a virtualsubmachine gun (for Zynga Mafia Wars). In another embodiment, theincentive offer search system can generate incentive rewards for aplurality of games, but the offer requires the user to choose which gamehe wants to receive the incentive reward in. For example, using theprevious example, the incentive offer search system might offer User 101an incentive reward of $10,000 in virtual poker chips and a virtualmachine gun, but require User 101 to choose which of the two rewards hewants. In yet another embodiment, the incentive offer search system cangenerate a single incentive reward that can be used in a plurality ofgames. For example, in a variation of the previous example, theincentive offer search system might offer User 101 an incentive rewardof $10,000 in virtual cash, wherein this cash can be used in eitherZynga Poker or Zynga Mafia Wars.

In some embodiments, the offer search system can generate an incentivereward for a game hosted by game system 120 b that a user has neverplayed or that has no game account associated with the user. Anincentive reward for an unplayed game can be generated even if the userplays other games on game system 120 b. For example, if User 101 hasonly played Zynga Poker on game system 120 b, the incentive offer searchsystem may generate an incentive reward for another game hosted by gamesystem 120 b (e.g., Zynga Mafia Wars, Zynga YoVille) to encourage User101 to try a new game.

FIG. 2A shows a flowchart illustrating an example method for generatingan incentive reward based on game state. In various embodiments, gamenetworking system 120 b accesses a game account of a user to identifyone or more computer-implemented games associated with the user at step210. Game networking system 120 b then generates an incentive reward forthe user based at least in part on the game state of the one or moreidentified games at step 212. The game networking system 120 b thentransmits a message to the user comprising a description of theincentive reward, a description of a location-based action, and an offerof the incentive reward for the user's performance of the location-basedaction at step 214. The example method illustrated in FIG. 2A anddescribed above is provided for illustration purposes only and is notmeant to be limiting. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciatethat the steps described above can be performed in any reasonable order,and that various steps can be reordered, added, and removed.

Determining Incentive Rewards Based on Location Attributes

In various embodiments, the incentive offer search system can determinean appropriate incentive reward based on location attribute data. Thelocation attributes of location 115 can be stored in a location account,which can be stored and accessed on any suitable computing system,including location system 120 a, game system 120 b, a third-partysystem, distributed computing system, or any combination of two or moreof the above. The incentive offer search system can access location115's location account to retrieve various location attribute data(e.g., the goods and services available at the location, personal anddemographic information of users of the location) and then identify anincentive reward appropriate for a user based on that data.

In some embodiments, the incentive offer search system can considerthematic, topical, or categorical relationships between a possibleincentive reward and a location attribute to determine an appropriateincentive reward. For example, the incentive offer search system mayquery the location account associated with location 115 to determinethat location 115 is a grocery store with organic strawberries on sale.The incentive offer search system may then determine that 100 servingsof virtual strawberry shortcake in Zynga Café World is an appropriateincentive reward for performing a location-based action at location 115based on the thematic relationship between and goods available atlocation 115 and the incentive reward.

In some embodiments, the incentive offer search system can considerdetails of the goods or services available at the location to determinean appropriate incentive reward to offer. This can include the type,price, quantity, quality, brand, size, description, and other details ofthe goods and services available at location 115. For example, theincentive reward for purchasing a toaster from a particular appliancestore might be a virtual toaster in Zynga YoVille. In one embodiment,the incentive reward may improve based on the price of the item. Forexample, the incentive reward for a $50 boombox may be $5000 in virtualpoker chips in Zynga Poker, but the incentive reward for a $1000 homestereo system may be $200,000 in virtual poker chips.

In some embodiments, the incentive offer search system can consider anybrands, trademarks, logos, and other corporate or intellectual propertyinformation associated with the location to determine an appropriateincentive reward. For example, if location 115 is a Scars departmentstore, the incentive offer search system may determine that a virtualitem affixed with the Sears logo is an appropriate incentive reward forperforming a location-based action at the location.

In some embodiments, the incentive offer search system can considerpersonal and demographic information of users of the location todetermine an appropriate incentive reward. This can included the name,sex, race, ethnicity, age, income, education, employment status,address, credit information, purchase history, and other personal ordemographic information of the users of the location. For example, ifUser 101 is female, the incentive offer search system may determine thata virtual Barbie doll in Zynga YoVille is an appropriate incentivereward for User 101 based on her sex.

In some embodiments, the incentive offer search system can consider thepurchase history of goods and services at the location to determine anappropriate incentive reward. For example, if visitors to location 115often buy fertilizer, the incentive offer search system may determinethat five applications of fertilizer in Zynga FarmVille is anappropriate incentive reward for performing a location-based action atlocation 115 based on the purchase history there.

In some embodiments, the incentive offer search system can consider thelocation-based action history of players of one or more online games atthe location to determine an appropriate incentive reward. This caninclude the type of location-based actions, proposed location-basedactions, performed location-based actions, and other informationregarding location-based actions associated with the location. Forexample, if some users often fail to perform a certain location-basedaction when offered an incentive reward of $10,000 in virtual pokerchips in Zynga Poker, the incentive offer search system may determine anincentive reward of $30,000 in virtual poker chips is an appropriateincentive reward to incentivize performance of this location-basedaction.

In some embodiments, the incentive offer search system can consider thegeographic information of the location to determine an appropriateincentive reward. This can include the position, elevation, size,orientation, GPS coordinates, relation to other locations, localterrain, weather, and other geographic information of the location. Forexample, if location 115 is near a beach, the incentive offer searchsystem may determine that a virtual beach towel in Zynga Treasure Isleis an appropriate incentive reward for performing a location-basedaction at location 115.

FIG. 2B shows a flowchart illustrating an example method for generatingan incentive reward based on location attributes. In variousembodiments, game networking system 120 b accesses a location account oflocation 115 to identify one or more attributes associated with location115 at step 220. Game networking system 120 b then generates anincentive reward for a user based at least in part on the attributesassociated with location 115 at step 222. The game networking system 120b then transmits a message to the user comprising a description of theincentive reward, a description of a location-based action, and an offerof the incentive reward for the user's performance of the location-basedaction at step 224. The example method illustrated in FIG. 2B anddescribed above is provided for illustration purposes only and is notmeant to be limiting. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciatethat the steps described above can be performed in any reasonable order,and that various steps can be reordered, added, and removed.

Determining Incentive Rewards Based on Other Factors

In various embodiments, the incentive offer search system can determinean appropriate incentive reward based on factors other than game stateor location attributes.

In some embodiments, the incentive reward can be determined based inpart on the location-based action generated by the action proposalsearch system. For example, if the action proposal search systemgenerates a location-based action for User 101 of buying a barbecue froma specific hardware store, the incentive offer search system maydetermine that a virtual super oven in Zynga Café World is anappropriate incentive reward based on the thematic relationship betweenthe incentive reward and the location-based action. In another example,the incentive reward for purchasing a bottle of Coca-cola from anylocation might be a virtual item affixed with a Coca-cola logo.

In some embodiments, the incentive reward for performing alocation-based action can vary over time. The incentive offer searchsystem may generate multiple possible incentive rewards, wherein theactual reward received by the user is based on when the location-basedaction is completed. For example, an incentive reward for purchasing alawnmower at location 115 within the next hour may be $20,000 in virtualpoker chips, but the incentive reward may decrease to only $10,000 invirtual poker chips if the lawnmower is purchased afterwards. In oneembodiment, the incentive reward may only be offered for a limited time.For example, an incentive reward of a virtual sports car might only beoffered to the first one hundred users who purchase a toaster fromlocation 115. In a variation of this embodiment, the incentive rewardmay become less attractive for subsequent purchasers. For example, thefirst user to purchase a toaster from location 115 will get a virtualPorsche 911, while later users will be offered virtual Ford Pintos. Theincentive offer search system may present offers, such that it is notapparent to the user of the gaming system whether he will get the betteritem or not. For example, User 101 might be presented with an offer thatstates, “Limited time offer! The first person to buy a toaster todaywill receive a virtual Porsche 911 in Zynga YoVille (subsequent buyerswill receive a virtual Ford Pinto).” In this case, the user viewing thisoffer may not know whether he will be the first purchaser and may onlyfind out after the item is purchased (e.g., when handed the receipt forthe purchase).

In some embodiments, the incentive offer search system can generate anincentive reward that is only a percentage chance of receiving anin-game asset. For example, an incentive reward could be a specificpercentage chance (e.g., 20%, 40%, 75%) to receive a particular in-gameasset (e.g., a virtual Porsche 911). After the user has earned theincentive reward, game system 120 b could then determine if the useractually receives the in-game asset.

In some embodiments, the incentive offer search system may generate anincentive reward for an unknown or undisclosed in-game asset. Forexample, the incentive offer search system may generate an incentivereward for a “mystery prize” for User 101 and present an offer thatstates “Purchase this item at location 115 now and receive a mysteryprize in Zynga Dragon Wars!” The user may not discover what the “mysteryprize” is until the incentive reward is earned by performing anassociated location-based action, or possibly even later (e.g., the nexttime the user logs into game system 120 b).

Location-Based Actions

A location-based action is a type of action that can be performed atlocation 115 by a user of an online game hosted by game system 20 b,wherein the action is proposed to the user as part of an offer for anincentive reward. A location-based action could be, for example,entering, visiting, using, purchasing, or performing some other actionat location 115.

Action Proposal Search Systems

In various embodiments, game system 120 b can include an action proposalsearch system, which is a network addressable computing system that isoperative to generate and/or select a location-based action in responseto a request from another computing system, such as location system 120a, game system 120 b, or client system 130. The action proposal searchsystem may be a central system accessible to one or more systems over awide area network, or a local system accessible to a single domain. Thepresent disclosure assumes the action proposal search system is asubsystem of game system 120 b, however it is possible that the actionproposal search system is part of location system 120 a or even anindependent remote system.

In one embodiment, the action proposal search system includes one ormore physical servers and an action proposal data store. The actionproposal data store can store content information containing actionproposal creative content and URLs or identifiers to content or otherresources hosted by game system 120 b or location system 120 a. Thecontent may be stored in association with game account information orlocation account information on game system 120 b.

In various embodiments, the action proposal search system determines anappropriate location-based action to propose to a user in exchange forone or more incentive rewards. The location-based action can bedetermined by a variety of methods (e.g., statically, randomly,dynamically, etc.).

In some embodiments, the location-based action can be determinedstatically, such that the location-based action offered is the same forall users. For example, the action proposal search system may proposethat User 101 purchase a cup of coffee at location 115 in exchange foran incentive reward of $100 in virtual cash, and this samelocation-based action would be proposed to all other users.

In some embodiments, the location-based action can be determineddynamically, such that the location-based action proposed may vary basedon a variety of factors. For example, the location-based action can bedetermined based on location attributes, game state, or otherparameters.

Determining Location-Based Actions Based on Game State

In various embodiments, the action proposal search system can determinean appropriate location-based action based on game state data on gamesystem 120 b. The action proposal search system can access the user'sgame account to retrieve various game state data (e.g., the games playedby the user, the user's player character state) and then identify alocation-based action appropriate for that user based on that data.

In some embodiments, the action proposal search system can considerthematic, topical, or categorical relationships between a possiblelocation-based action and a game state variable to determine anappropriate location-based action. For example, the action proposalsearch system may query game system 120 b to determine that User 101 isa player in Zynga FarmVille and that User 101's player character has avirtual barn, the action proposal search system may then determine thatvisiting a particular barn at the Sonoma County Fair is an appropriatelocation-based action for the user based on the thematic relationshipbetween User 101's virtual barn and the proposed location.

In some embodiments, the action proposal search system can considerplayer character state, such as in-game assets and other attributes of aplayer character, to determine an appropriate location-based action. Forexample, if User 101 has $25,000 in virtual poker chips in Zynga Poker,the action proposal search system may determine that playing a hand ofreal poker in Las Vegas at a $10 limit table is appropriate, but if User101 has $100,000 in virtual poker chips, playing five hands of realpoker at a $50 limit table may be determined appropriate based on User101's current in-game assets. In another example, if User 101 has avirtual barn with no virtual chickens in it in Zynga FarmVille, theaction proposal search system may determine that visiting the chickencoop at the Sonoma County Fair is an appropriate location-based actionfor User 101 based on his current in-game assets.

In some embodiments, where a user plays more than one game hosted bygame system 120 b, the action proposal search system can generatelocation-based actions corresponding to one or more of the games. Gamesystem 120 b can host a plurality of online games, and a particular usermay play one or more of these games and control one or more playercharacters in each game. If the user plays more than one game on gamesystem 20 b, the action proposal search system may generate alocation-based action corresponding to one or more of these games. Theaction proposal search system can determine which games to generatelocation-based actions for by examining the user's game accountinformation with respect to each game and analyzing a variety of factors(e.g., the user's frequency of play, duration of play, play preferences,social network information). For example, the action proposal searchsystem may determine that buying a cup of coffee from a specific café isan appropriate location-based action to receive an incentive reward inZynga Café World. In another example, the action proposal search systemmay determine that donating $10 to an animal cruelty charity is anappropriate location-based action to receive an incentive reward inZynga FarmVille.

FIG. 2C shows a flowchart illustrating an example method for generatinga location-based action based on a game state. In various embodiments,game networking system 120 b accesses a game account of a user toidentify one or more computer-implemented games associated with the userat step 230. Game networking system 120 b then generates alocation-based action for the user based at least in part on the gamestate of the one or more identified games at step 232. Game networkingsystem 120 b then transmits a message to the user comprising adescription of the location-based action, a description of an incentivereward, and an offer of the incentive reward for the user's performanceof the location-based action at step 234. The example method illustratedin FIG. 2C and described above is provided for illustration purposesonly and is not meant to be limiting. One of ordinary skill in the artwould appreciate that the steps described above can be performed in anyreasonable order, and that various steps can be reordered, added, andremoved.

Determining Location-Based Actions Based on Location Attributes

In various embodiments, the action proposal search system can determinean appropriate location-based action based on location attribute data.The location attributes of location 115 can be stored in a locationaccount, which can be stored and accessed on any suitable computingsystem, including location system 120 a, game system 120 b, athird-party system, a distributed computing system, or any combinationof two or more of the above. The action proposal search system canaccess location 115's location account to retrieve various locationattribute data (e.g., the good and services available at the location,personal and demographic information of users of the location, etc.) andthen identify a location-based action appropriate for a user based onthat data.

In some embodiments, the action proposal search system can considerthematic, topical, or categorical relationships between a possiblelocation-based action and a location attribute to determine anappropriate location-based action. For example, the action proposalsearch system may query the location account associated with location115 to determine that location 115 is a grocery store with organicstrawberries on sale. The incentive offer search system may thendetermine that buying a basket of organic strawberries is an appropriatelocation-based action to perform at location 115 based on thecategorical relationship between the goods available at location 115 andthe location-based action.

In some embodiments, the action proposal search system can considerdetails of the goods or services available at the location to determinean appropriate location-based action. This can include the type, price,quantity, quality, brand, size, description, and other details of thegoods and services available at the location. For example, if location115 is an amusement park, the action proposal search system maydetermine that riding a specific roller coaster is an appropriatelocation-based action based on the type of services available there. Inparticular embodiments, the action proposal search system can generate alocation-based action to incentivize the purchase of particular goods orservices, such as buying items that are on sale or items the locationoperator wants to clear from inventory. The location operator canprovide preferences for the items that it wants associated withlocation-based offers, or the action proposal search system can querythe location account and analyze the location's current inventory todynamically determine an appropriate item. For example, if location 115is an ice cream shop with an oversupply of vanilla ice cream, the actionproposal search system may determine that purchasing a scoop of vanillaice cream at location 115 is an appropriate location-based action basedon the inventory of goods available there.

In some embodiments, the action proposal search system can consider anybrands, trademarks, logos, and other corporate or intellectual propertyinformation associated with the location to determine an appropriatelocation-based action. For example, if the operator of location 115 hasa patent on a certain method, the action proposal search system maydetermine that performing that patented method is an appropriatelocation-based action.

In some embodiments, the action proposal search system can considerpersonal and demographic information of users of the location todetermine an appropriate location-based action. This can include thename, sex, race, ethnicity, age, income, education, employment status,address, credit information, purchase history, and other personal ordemographic information of the users of the location. For example, if aparticular user of location 115 is a mechanical engineer, the actionproposal search system may determine that purchasing a textbook onthermodynamics at location 115 is an appropriate location-based actionbased on the user's employment information. In another example, if User101 has never purchased a sandwich from location 115, the actionproposal search system may determine that purchasing a sandwich fromlocation 115 is an appropriate location-based action for User 101 basedon his purchase history. In yet another example, if User 101 is 18-yearsold, the action proposal search system may propose to the user topurchase a can of soda, but if User 101 is 22-years old, the actionproposal search system may propose to the user to purchase a bottle ofscotch.

In some embodiments, the action proposal search system can consider thepurchase history of goods and services at the location to determine anappropriate location-based action. For example, if visitors to location115 rarely buy a particular item, the action proposal search system maydetermine that purchasing that item at location 115 is an appropriatelocation-based action based on the purchase history of that item,wherein the location-based action is selected to incentivize purchase ofthat item.

In some embodiments, the action proposal search system can consider thelocation-based action history of players of one or more online games atthe location to determine an appropriate location-based action. This caninclude the type of location-based actions, proposed location-basedactions, performed location-based actions, and other informationregarding location-based actions associated with the location. Forexample, if a small fraction of users perform a certain location-basedaction, such as playing at a high-stakes poker table at a particularcasino, the action proposal search system may determine that an easierversion of that location-based action is an appropriate location-basedaction, such as playing at a lower-stakes poker table. In anotherexample, if User 101 has never visited Bozo's Amusement Park, the actionproposal search system can propose that User 101 purchase a summer pass.If User 101 has already visited Bozo's Amusement Park, and it hadalready been proposed to User 101 to purchase a summer pass, the actionproposal search system can propose that User 101 purchase cotton candyinside the park. In a particular embodiment, the action proposal searchsystem can determine a location-based action based on any previousactions that have been proposed to the user based on locations besidesthe one that is currently specified. For example, if the action proposalsearch system had previously proposed that the user buy a grill at ageneral store, the action proposal search system could then propose thatthe user purchase steaks or hotdogs at a supermarket.

In some embodiments, the action proposal search system can consider thegeographic information of the location to determine an appropriatelocation-based action. This can include the position, elevation, size,orientation, GPS coordinates, relation to other locations, localterrain, weather, and other geographic information of the location. Forexample, if location 115 is a store that sells bread and the store isnear a duck pond, the action proposal search system may determine thatpurchasing bread and feeding the ducks is an appropriate location-basedaction based on the geographic information of location 115. In oneembodiment, the action proposal search system can determine alocation-based action based on the local terrain. For example, iflocation 115 is near a beach, the action proposal search system maydetermine that purchasing a swimsuit from location 115 is an appropriatelocation-based action based on the proximity of the location to thebeach. In another embodiment, the action proposal search system canconsider the current weather at the location. For example, if thecurrent temperature at an amusement park is 90° F., the action proposalsearch system may determine that riding a water slide at the park is anappropriate location-based action based on the current weather there. Inyet another embodiment, the action proposal search system can considerthe historical weather at the location. For example, if the daytimetemperature outside location 115 is typically 50° F. in the winter, theaction proposal search system may determine that purchasing a sweatshirtat location 115 in the winter is an appropriate location-based actionbased on the historical weather there.

FIG. 2D shows a flowchart illustrating an example method for generatinga location-based action based on location attributes. In variousembodiments, game networking system 120 b accesses a location account oflocation 115 to identify one or more attributes associated with location115 at step 240. Game networking system 120 b then generates alocation-based action for a user based at least in part on theattributes associated with location 115 at step 242. Game networkingsystem 120 b then transmits a message to the user comprising adescription of the location-based action, a description of an incentivereward, and an offer of the incentive reward for the user's performanceof the location-based action at step 244. The example method illustratedin FIG. 2D and described above is provided for illustration purposesonly and is not meant to be limiting. One of ordinary skill in the artwould appreciate that the steps described above can be performed in anyreasonable order, and that various steps can be reordered, added, andremoved.

Determining Location-Based Actions Based on Other Factors

In various embodiments, the action proposal search system can determinean appropriate location-based action based on factors other than gamestate or location attributes.

In some embodiments, the location-based action can be determined basedin part on the incentive reward generated by the incentive offer searchsystem. For example, if the incentive offer search system generates avirtual ice cream machine as an incentive reward for User 101, theaction proposal search system may determine that buying a quart ofpremium ice cream from a specific grocery store is an appropriatelocation-based action based on the thematic relationship between theincentive reward and the location-based action.

In some embodiments, the incentive reward for performing alocation-based action can vary over time. The action proposal searchsystem may generate multiple possible location-based actions, whereinthe location-based action the user has to perform to receive anincentive reward is based on when the location-based action iscompleted. For example, the action proposal search system may determinethat swimming 10 laps at a particular swimming pool is an appropriatelocation-based action in the summer, but may determine that visiting anice rink is an appropriate location-based action in the winter. Inanother example, the difficulty of the location-based action may varyover time. User 101 may have to swim 10 laps in a swimming pool if thelocation-based action is performed within two hours of being generatedby the action proposal search system, but after two hours User 101 mayhave to swim 50 laps.

Presenting Incentive Reward Offers to Users

A variety of methods can be used to determine and present incentivereward offers to a user. In one embodiment, User 101 can access, via theuser's client system 130, an online game hosted by game system 120 b.The user's browser client can load and render the content of thewebpage. Game system 120 b may also access the user's game accountinformation and/or the location account of one or more locations. Thisaccount information may be accessed in a variety of ways. For example,game system 120 b could access data stored in a cookie on client system130 that is appended to messages transmitted from client system 130 togame system 120 b. This allows game system 120 b to identify User 101and access the appropriate game account information. To access locationaccount information, game system 120 b may directly query locationsystem 120 a. Alternatively, the online game webpage may include code(e.g., HTML, etc.) instructing the client system 130 to call locationsystem 120 a to retrieve HTML code and/or script. For example, theonline game webpage provided by game system 120 b may be implemented inan iframe with a “src” tag identifying the URL of location system 120 a.When client system 130 consumes the HTML or other code of the page,client system 130 transmits a request to location system 120 a. In oneembodiment, the request includes a browser cookie or other state objectappended there to that allows location system 120 a to resolve theidentity of User 101 (and possibly all or a subset of game stateinformation associated with that user). If a script is used (e.g.,JavaScript), the script when downloaded and executed might be operativeto scan various attributes of webpages hosted by location system 120 ato identify the one or more location attributes and transmit thislocation attribute data to game system 120 b. For example, the webpagehosted by location system 120 a may include semantic tags that identifyelements of the page that correspond to the types and prices of itemsavailable for sale at location 115. Game system 120 b may use thisinformation to consider what type of incentive reward to offer User 101.As mentioned above, in response to the call from client system 130, gamesystem 120 b may access data stored in the cookie corresponding to thegame system 120 b, thereby allowing the game system to identify User101. If game system 120 b is able to successfully identify User 101 as aplayer in one or more online games hosted by game system 120 b, it canthen trigger the incentive offer search system and the action proposalsearch system.

In some embodiments, even if User 101 is not a user of game system 120b, the method may include offering an alternative type of incentivereward to User 101, such as an in-game benefit or asset that is notnormally provided to new players. This might be done, for example, toencourage User 101 to establish a user account on game system 120 b. Forexample, if User 101 is not a user of any game hosted by game system 120b, User 101 might be presented with an incentive reward offer of$100,000 in virtual poker chips if he performs a certain location-basedaction at location 115 and joins Zynga Poker, where a typical new pokerplayer only receives $20,000 in virtual poker chips in that game.

The incentive offer search system and action proposal search system candetermine an appropriate incentive reward and location-based action topresent to User 101. An appropriate incentive reward and location-basedaction can be determined in a variety of ways. Once an appropriateincentive reward and location-based action have been determined, gamesystem 120 b can respond to the call from client system 130 with contentthat includes details of the incentive reward and the location-basedaction to be displayed on the browser client of client system 130. Theincentive reward offer may be rendered, for example, in a discretesection of the online game interface viewed by User 101. The offer caninclude a variety of information about the incentive reward andlocation-based action, including a description of the in-game reward, animage, a description of the location and the action to be performed, andother details, as instructed by the script and other content transmittedin the response received from game system 120 b. In one embodiment, gamesystem 120 b may generate a unique offer identifier that is associatedwith the offer transmitted to client system 130. The offer identifiercan be included in the HTML code that becomes part of a Document ObjectModel (DOM) of the webpage as maintained by the browser client or otherclient application. If User 101 performed the location-based action,game system 120 b and/or location system 120 a may record the uniqueoffer identifier in association with the offer. After User 101 performsthe location-based action, location system 120 a may transmit data togame system 120 b indicating that the location-based action has beenperformed. This can be done in a variety of ways. Once game system 120 bhas confirmed that User 101 has completed the location-based action,game system 120 b can then provide the incentive reward to User 101 orhis player character. For example, game system 120 b may update User101's account to add the in-game reward to his in-game asset list, whichwill be presented or available to the user the next time he accesses thegame. The entities associated with the game system 120 b and locationsystem 120 a, to the extent they are separate, can contract to achieve avariety of revenue exchange or sharing paradigms that arise out of theincentive offers described herein. For example, the entity associatedwith game system 120 b may receive a payment for each performedlocation-based action. In another embodiment, the entity associated withgame system 120 b may receive a payment when User 101 redeems the award.

Other methods are possible for determining and presenting an incentivereward offer and location-based action to a user. For example, a varietyof method steps and data flows are possible. The methods and data flowsdescribed above, as well as alternatives, are described in more detailbelow.

FIG. 2E shows a flowchart illustrating an example method for proposing alocation-based action to a user. In various embodiments, game networkingsystem 120 b receives a message identifying a user at step 250. Gamenetworking system 120 b then accesses a game account of the user toidentify one or more computer-implemented games associated with the userat step 252. Game networking system 120 b then generates alocation-based action for the user at step 254. Game networking system120 b then transmits a message to the user comprising a description ofthe location-based action, a description of an incentive reward, and anoffer of the incentive reward for the user's performance of thelocation-based action at step 256. FIG. 2F shows a flowchartillustrating an example method for transferring an incentive reward to auser for performing a location-based action. In various embodiments, agame networking system 120 b receives a message identifying a user andcorresponding to a location-based action at step 260. The gamenetworking system 120 b then accesses a game account of the user toidentify one or more computer-implemented games associated with the userat step 262. The game networking system 120 b then generates anincentive reward for the user at step 264. The game networking system120 b then credits the game account of the user with the incentivereward at step 266. The example methods illustrated in FIGS. 2E and 2Fand described above are provided for illustration purposes only and arenot meant to be limiting. One of ordinary skill in the art wouldappreciate that the steps described above can be performed in anyreasonable order, and that various steps can be reordered, added, andremoved.

Verification of Location-Based Actions

In various embodiments, location 115 can have one or more verificationsystems 118 that can verify when a user has performed one or morelocation-based actions. Verification system 118 can verify performanceof a location-based action using a variety of methods. Verificationsystem 118 can generate, store, and transmit action verification data,which is data comprising information on one or more users and one ormore location-based actions associated with the users. Actionverification data can be transmitted to location system 120 a, gamesystem 120 b, or client system 130, either directly or via network 160.In some embodiments, the action verification data can be generated byanother system, such as client system 130, game system 120 b, orlocation system 120 a. This disclosure assumes that the actionverification data is generated by verification system 118 andtransmitted to location system 120 a, however this is not intended to belimiting. Action verification data can include a variety of informationregarding a location-based action, including information indicating: theuser; the location-based action; if the action was performed by theuser; when the location-based action was performed; where thelocation-based action was performed; how the location-based action wasperformed; and other information related to the location-based action.The methods described below are not intended to be limiting, and one ofordinary skill in the art would recognize that other methods can be usedto verify performance of a location-based action.

In some embodiments, if the location-based action is purchasing an itemat location 115, verification system 118 can verify the purchase using avariety of methods. When a user purchases an item at location 115,location system 120 a may collect purchase information from the user,including the user's name, credit card number, billing address, shippingaddress, email address, etc. For example, if User 101 visits a store andpurchases an item with a credit card, location system 120 a could usethe information contained on the credit card to identify the User 101.

In some embodiments, if the location-based action is verifying thepresence of a user at location 115, verification system 118 can verifythe user's presence at the location using a variety of methods. Forexample, verification system 118 can verify a user's location based onsome form of identification presented at location 115; based on theuser's proximity to location 115; when the user provides an indicationof the user's presence at location 115; and by using other locationverification methods.

Data Flow

FIG. 3 depicts a schematic of system 300 and data flow between thecomponents of system 300. System 300 can include client system 330,location networking system 320 a, and game networking system 320 b.Client system 330, location networking system 320 a, and game networkingsystem 320 b can each have a corresponding data store such as localstorage medium 325, location data storage medium 345, and game datastorage medium 365, respectively. Client system 330 can communicate withlocation networking system 320 a to receive messages, locationinformation, etc. Additionally, client system 330 can transmit data toand receive data 323 (e.g., game inputs, incentive offer information,data transfers) from game networking system 320 b. In a similar fashion,game networking system 320 b and location networking system 320 a cancommunicate HTTP packets 343 including data requests, transactioninformation, updates, etc. At some other time, or at the same time, gamenetworking system 320 b can communicate data 347 (e.g., game stateinformation, game system account information, page info, messages) withlocation networking system 320 a.

Communication between client system 330, location networking system 320a, and game networking system 320 b can occur over any appropriateelectronic communication medium or network using any suitablecommunications protocols. For example, client system 330, as well asvarious servers of the systems described herein, may include TransportControl Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) networking stacks to providefor datagram and transport functions. Of course, any other suitablenetwork and transport layer protocols can be utilized.

In addition, hosts or end-systems described herein may use a variety ofhigher-layer communications protocols, including client-server (orrequest-response) protocols, such as the HyperText Transfer Protocol(HTTP) and other communications protocols, such as HTTP-S, FTP, SNMP,TELNET. In addition, a server in one interaction context may be a clientin another interaction context. Still further, in particularembodiments, the information transmitted between hosts may be formattedas HyperText Markup Language (HTML) documents. Other structured documentlanguages or formats can be used, such as XML and the like. Executablecode objects, such as JavaScript and ActionScript, can also be embeddedin the structured documents.

In some client-server protocols, such as the use of HTML over HTTP, aserver generally transmits a response to a request from a client. Theresponse may comprise one or more data objects. For example, theresponse may comprise a first data object, followed by subsequentlytransmitted data objects. In one embodiment, for example, a clientrequest may cause a server to respond with a first data object, such asan HTML page, which itself refers to other data objects. A clientapplication, such as a browser, will request these additional dataobjects as it parses or otherwise processes the first data object.

The example data flows in this section are presented with respect todata flow between location networking system 320 a and game networkingsystem 320 b. One skilled in the art would appreciate that these arepresented merely as an example of a data flow between two types ofonline systems. However, the present disclosure is intended to encompassdata flows between a game networking system and a variety of otheronline systems, such as online merchant systems, online media systems,online reviewing systems, online search engines, and online advertisingsystems. The example data flows described herein function analogouslywith these online systems as with location networking systems.

In various embodiments, location system 320 a, or game system 320 b canreceive messages identifying a user. For example, game system 320 b canreceive a digital message through a network, wherein the messagecontains information about the identity of the user. This message can besent using any suitable communications protocol.

In one embodiment, messages with identifying information received bylocation system 320 a or game system 320 b will have been sent from theuser. For example, the user could actively use a digital communicationdevice (e.g., a computer or a smart phone) to send a message to gamesystem 320 b. In another example, the user could passively use a digitalcommunication device (e.g., a computer or smart phone) to send a messageto game system 320 b by instructing the digital communication device tosend a message to game system 320 b if the device comes within aspecified proximity of location 115. The user's proximity can bedetermined by a variety of methods (e.g., through the use of a GlobalPositioning System (GPS)).

In another embodiment, messages with identifying information received bygame system 320 b will have been sent from location 115 or locationsystem 320 a. For example, location 115 could use a computing system tosend a message to game system 320 b.

In various embodiments, a user can receive messages identifying both alocation-based action and an offer for an incentive reward. For example,a user could receive from game system 320 b a message describing alocation-based action and an incentive reward through client system 330.In another example, a user could receive a similar message from locationsystem. 320 a. In another example, a user could receive a messagedirectly from location 115 (e.g., through the use of a physical receiptor through the use of a computer at the location).

In various embodiments, location system 320 a or game system 320 b canreceive a message verifying that a user performed a proposedlocation-based action. For example, game system 320 b can receive themessage in a digital form transmitted over a network. In someembodiments, the message verifying that a user performed alocation-based action could have been transmitted by location 115 orlocation system 320 a to game system 320 b through the use ofverification system 118.

In various embodiments, location system 320 a or game system 320 b canverify the presence of a user relative to location 115. For example, theuser could directly inform game system 320 b that he is present atlocation 115 (e.g., by contacting the game networking system directlythrough the use of a digital communications device owned by the user).In another example, the user could indirectly inform game system 320 bthat he is present at location 115 (e.g., by permitting the gamenetworking system to track his location through the use of GlobalPositioning Service (GPS) positioning based on a communications deviceowned by the user).

In one embodiment, game system 320 b can verify the presence of a userat location 115 through the use of a Global Positioning Service (GPS)device. For example, the user could own a mobile client system 330(e.g., a cell phone, pager, laptop, or tablet) that is in communicationwith a GPS system and game system 320 b through a network. Game system320 b could then track the physical presence of the user relative to oneor more locations. In another example, the mobile client system 330could be in communication with a GPS system and location system 320 athrough a network. Location system 320 a could then track the physicalpresence of the user relative to one or more locations. Location system320 a could then inform game system 320 b of the physical presence ofthe user relative to the location.

In another embodiment, game system 320 b can verify the presence of auser at location 115 through the use of a third party application, suchas a social networking site (e.g., Facebook, Twitter), a locationtracking site (e.g., Foursquare, Google Latitude), a locationreservation site (e.g., OpenTable, Expedia), etc. For example, theapplication could notify game system 320 b of the physical position ofthe user relative to a location based on data received from the site. Inanother example, the application could notify location system 320 a ofthe physical position of the user relative to the location based on datareceived from the site. Location system 320 a could inform game system320 b of the physical position of the user relative to the location.

In yet another embodiment, game system 320 b can verify the presence ofa user at location 115 through the use of codes (e.g., numerical codes,QR Codes, bar codes). For example, game system 320 b could provide theuser with a code that the user can take to location 115 that the usercan input into a computing system (e.g., a cash register, computer),which can be transmitted to location system 320 a and/or game system 320b to indicate the location of the user. In another example, the locationoperator can provide the user with a code that the user can input intohis client system 330, which will transfer an indication of the user'slocation to location system 320 a and/or game system 320 b.

Systems and Methods

In various example embodiments, one or more described webpages may beassociated with a networking system or networking service. However,alternate embodiments may have application to the retrieval andrendering of structured documents hosted by any type of networkaddressable resource or web site. Additionally, as used herein, a usermay be an individual, a group, or an entity (such as a business or thirdparty application).

Particular embodiments may operate in a wide area network environment,such as the Internet, including multiple network addressable systems.FIG. 4 illustrates an example network environment, in which variousexample embodiments may operate. Network cloud 460 generally representsone or more interconnected networks, over which the systems and hostsdescribed herein can communicate. Network cloud 460 may includepacket-based wide area networks (such as the Internet), privatenetworks, wireless networks, satellite networks, cellular networks,paging networks, and the like. As FIG. 4 illustrates, particularembodiments may operate in a network environment comprising one or morenetworking systems, such as location networking system 420 a and gamenetworking system 420 b, and one or more client devices 430. Thecomponents of location networking system 420 a and game networkingsystem 420 b operate analogously; as such, hereinafter they may bereferred to simply at networking system 420. Client devices 430 areoperably connected to the network environment via a network serviceprovider, a wireless carrier, or any other suitable means.

Networking system 420 is a network addressable system that, in variousexample embodiments, comprises one or more physical servers 422 and datastores 424. The one or more physical servers 422 are operably connectedto computer network 460 via, by way of example, a set of routers and/ornetworking switches 426. In an example embodiment, the functionalityhosted by the one or more physical servers 122 may include web or HTTPservers, FTP servers, as well as, without limitation, webpages andapplications implemented using Common Gateway Interface (CGI) script,PHP Hyper-text Preprocessor (PHP), Active Server Pages (ASP), Hyper TextMarkup Language (HTML), Extensible Markup Language (XML), Java,JavaScript, Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX), Flash, ActionScript,and the like.

Physical servers 422 may host functionality directed to the operationsof networking system 420. Hereinafter servers 422 may be referred to asserver 422, although server 422 may include numerous servers hosting,for example, networking system 420, as well as other contentdistribution servers, data stores, and databases. Data store 424 maystore content and data relating to, and enabling, operation ofnetworking system 420 as digital data objects. A data object, inparticular embodiments, is an item of digital information typicallystored or embodied in a data file, database, or record. Content objectsmay take many forms, including: text (e.g., ASCII, SGML, HTML), images(e.g., jpeg, tif and gif), graphics (vector-based or bitmap), audio,video (e.g., mpeg), or other multimedia, and combinations thereof.Content object data may also include executable code objects (e.g.,games executable within a browser window or frame), podcasts, etc.Logically, data store 424 corresponds to one or more of a variety ofseparate and integrated databases, such as relational databases andobject-oriented databases, that maintain information as an integratedcollection of logically related records or files stored on one or morephysical systems. Structurally, data store 424 may generally include oneor more of a large class of data storage and management systems. Inparticular embodiments, data store 424 may be implemented by anysuitable physical system(s) including components, such as one or moredatabase servers, mass storage media, media library systems, storagearea networks, data storage clouds, and the like. In one exampleembodiment, data store 424 includes one or more servers, databases(e.g., MySQL), and/or data warehouses. Data store 424 may include dataassociated with different networking system 420 users and/or clientdevices 430.

Client device 430 is generally a computer or computing device includingfunctionality for communicating (e.g., remotely) over a computernetwork. Client device 430 may be a desktop computer, laptop computer,personal digital assistant (PDA), in- or out-of-car navigation system,smart phone or other cellular or mobile phone, or mobile gaming device,among other suitable computing devices. Client device 430 may executeone or more client applications, such as a web browser (e.g., MicrosoftInternet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Google Chrome, andOpera), to access and view content over a computer network. Inparticular embodiments, the client applications allow a user of clientdevice 430 to enter addresses of specific network resources to beretrieved, such as resources hosted by networking system 420. Theseaddresses can be Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) and the like. Inaddition, once a page or other resource has been retrieved, the clientapplications may provide access to other pages or records when the user“clicks” on hyperlinks to other resources. By way of example, suchhyperlinks may be located within the webpages and provide an automatedway for the user to enter the URL of another page and to retrieve thatpage.

A webpage or resource embedded within a webpage, which may itselfinclude multiple embedded resources, may include data records, such asplain textual information, or more complex digitally encoded multimediacontent, such as software programs or other code objects, graphics,images, audio signals, videos, and so forth. One prevalent markuplanguage for creating webpages is the Hypertext Markup Language (HTML).Other common web browser-supported languages and technologies includethe Extensible Markup Language (XML), the Extensible Hypertext MarkupLanguage (XHTML), JavaScript, Flash, ActionScript, Cascading Style Sheet(CSS), and, frequently, Java. By way of example, HTML enables a pagedeveloper to create a structured document by denoting structuralsemantics for text and links, as well as images, web applications, andother objects that can be embedded within the page. Generally, a webpagemay be delivered to a client as a static document; however, through theuse of web elements embedded in the page, an interactive experience maybe achieved with the page or a sequence of pages. During a user sessionat the client, the web browser interprets and displays the pages andassociated resources received or retrieved from the website hosting thepage, as well as, potentially, resources from other websites.

When a user at a client device 430 desires to view a particular webpage(hereinafter also referred to as target structured document) hosted bynetworking system 420, the user's web browser, or other documentrendering engine or suitable client application, formulates andtransmits a request to networking system 420. The request generallyincludes a URL or other document identifier as well as metadata or otherinformation. By way of example, the request may include informationidentifying the user, such as a user ID, as well as informationidentifying or characterizing the web browser or operating systemrunning on the user's client computing device 430. The request may alsoinclude location information identifying a geographic location of theuser's client device or a logical network location of the user's clientdevice. The request may also include a timestamp identifying when therequest was transmitted.

The example network environment described above and in FIG. 4 ispresented with respect to location networking systems and gamenetworking systems. One skilled in the art would appreciate that theseare presented merely as an example of a network environment between twotypes of online systems. However, the present disclosure is intended toencompass network environments that include a game networking system anda variety of other online systems, such as online media systems, onlinereviewing systems, online search engines, and online advertisingsystems. The example network environment described above performsanalogously with these other online systems as with location networkingsystems.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example computing system architecture, which maybe used to implement a server 422 or a client device 430. In oneembodiment, hardware system 500 comprises a processor 502, a cachememory 504, and one or more executable modules and drivers, stored on atangible computer readable medium, directed to the functions describedherein. Additionally, hardware system 500 may include a high performanceinput/output (I/O) bus 506 and a standard I/O bus 508. A host bridge 510may couple processor 502 to high performance I/O bus 506, whereas I/Obus bridge 512 couples the two buses 506 and 508 to each other. A systemmemory 514 and one or more network/communication interfaces 516 maycouple to bus 506. Hardware system 500 may further include video memory(not shown) and a display device coupled to the video memory. Massstorage 518 and I/O ports 520 may couple to bus 508. Hardware system 500may optionally include a keyboard, a pointing device, and a displaydevice (not shown) coupled to bus 508. Collectively, these elements areintended to represent a broad category of computer hardware systems,including but not limited to general purpose computer systems based onthe x86-compatible processors manufactured by Intel Corporation of SantaClara, Calif., and the x86-compatible processors manufactured byAdvanced Micro Devices (AMD), Inc., of Sunnyvale, Calif., as well as anyother suitable processor.

The elements of hardware system 500 are described in greater detailbelow. In particular, network interface 516 provides communicationbetween hardware system 500 and any of a wide range of networks, such asan Ethernet (e.g., IEEE 802.3) network, a backplane, etc. Mass storage518 provides permanent storage for the data and programming instructionsto perform the above-described functions implemented in servers 422,whereas system memory 514 (e.g., DRAM) provides temporary storage forthe data and programming instructions when executed by processor 502.I/O ports 520 are one or more serial and/or parallel communication portsthat provide communication between additional peripheral devices, whichmay be coupled to hardware system 500.

Hardware system 500 may include a variety of system architectures andvarious components of hardware system 500 may be rearranged. Forexample, cache 504 may be on-chip with processor 502. Alternatively,cache 504 and processor 502 may be packed together as a “processormodule,” with processor 502 being referred to as the “processor core.”Furthermore, certain embodiments of the present disclosure may notrequire nor include all of the above components. For example, theperipheral devices shown coupled to standard I/O bus 508 may couple tohigh performance I/O bus 506. In addition, in some embodiments, only asingle bus may exist, with the components of hardware system 500 beingcoupled to the single bus. Furthermore, hardware system 500 may includeadditional components, such as additional processors, storage devices,or memories.

An operating system manages and controls the operation of hardwaresystem 500, including the input and output of data to and from softwareapplications (not shown). The operating system provides an interfacebetween the software applications being executed on the system and thehardware components of the system. Any suitable operating system may beused, such as the LINUX Operating System, the Apple Macintosh OperatingSystem, available from Apple Computer Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., UNIXoperating systems, Microsoft (r) Windows(r) operating systems, BSDoperating systems, and the like. Of course, other embodiments arepossible. For example, the functions described herein may be implementedin firmware or on an application-specific integrated circuit.

Furthermore, the above-described elements and operations can becomprised of instructions that are stored on non-transitory storagemedia. The instructions can be retrieved and executed by a processingsystem. Some examples of instructions are software, program code, andfirmware. Some examples of non-transitory storage media are memorydevices, tape, disks, integrated circuits, and servers. The instructionsare operational when executed by the processing system to direct theprocessing system to operate in accord with the disclosure. The term“processing system” refers to a single processing device or a group ofinter-operational processing devices. Some examples of processingdevices are integrated circuits and logic circuitry. Those skilled inthe art are familiar with instructions, computers, and storage media.

Miscellaneous

One or more features from any embodiment may be combined with one ormore features of any other embodiment without departing from the scopeof the disclosure.

A recitation of “a”, “an,” or “the” is intended to mean “one or more”unless specifically indicated to the contrary.

The present disclosure encompasses all changes, substitutions,variations, alterations, and modifications to the example embodimentsherein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend.Similarly, where appropriate, the appended claims encompass all changes,substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the exampleembodiments herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art wouldcomprehend.

For example, the methods described herein may be implemented usinghardware components, software components, and/or any combinationthereof. By way of example, while embodiments of the present disclosurehave been described as operating in connection with a networkingwebsite, various embodiments of the present disclosure can be used inconnection with any communications facility that supports webapplications. Furthermore, in some embodiments the term “web service”and “website” may be used interchangeably and additionally may refer toa custom or generalized API on a device, such as a mobile device (e.g.,a cellular phone, smart phone, personal GPS, personal digital,assistant, personal gaming device), that makes API calls directly to aserver. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regardedin an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will, however, beevident that various modifications and changes may be made thereuntowithout departing from the broader spirit and scope of the disclosure asset forth in the claims and that the disclosure is intended to cover allmodifications and equivalents within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving verification dataidentifying a user of a computer-implemented game and indicatingperformance of a location-based action by the user, the location-basedaction being performed at a location external to thecomputer-implemented game; accessing an account of the user; identifyingthe computer-implemented game from the account; and crediting, using aprocessor of a machine, the account with a reward based on the receivedverification data indicating the performance of the location-basedaction by the user at the location, the reward being usable within thecomputer-implemented game.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein theverification data further indicates when the location-based action wasperformed by the user.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein theverification data further indicates where the location-based action wasperformed by the user.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein theverification data further indicates how the location-based action wasperformed by the user.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein thelocation-based action is a purchase of an item, the verification dataincluding purchase information usable to identify the user.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the location-based action is a presence ofthe user at the location, the verification data being based on a form ofidentification of the user presented at the location.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the location-based action is a presence of the user atthe location, the verification data being based on a proximity of theuser to the location.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the proximity isdetermined using a selection from a group consisting of GPS, a socialnetworking site, a location tracking site, and a location reservationsite.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the user is identified based ona scannable code.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the reward is avirtual item provided to a character controlled by the user in a virtualworld of the computer-implemented game.
 11. The method of claim 1,further comprising generating the reward to be provided to the user. 12.The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting the reward based onintellectual property information associated with the location.
 13. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the reward is a mystery prize.
 14. The methodof claim 1, further comprising selecting the location-based action basedon preferences of an operator of the location.
 15. The method of claim1, further comprising selecting the location-based action based oninventory of an operator of the location.
 16. A non-transitory machinereadable medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least oneprocessor of a machine, causes the machine to perform operationscomprising: receiving verification data identifying a user of acomputer-implemented game and indicating performance of a location-basedaction by the user, the location-based action being performed at alocation external to the computer-implemented game; accessing an accountof the user; identifying the computer-implemented game from the account;and crediting the account with a reward based on the receivedverification data indicating the performance of the location-basedaction by the user at the location, the reward being usable within thecomputer-implemented game.
 17. The non-transitory machine readablemedium of claim 16, wherein the location-based action is a purchase ofan item, the verification data including purchase information usable toidentify the user.
 18. The non-transitory machine readable medium ofclaim 16, wherein the location-based action is a presence of the user atthe location, the verification data being based on a form ofidentification of the user presented at the location.
 19. Thenon-transitory machine readable medium of claim 16, wherein thelocation-based action is a presence of the user at the location, theverification data being based on a proximity of the user to thelocation.
 20. A system comprising: at least one processor of a machine;and a game networking system configured to: receive verification dataidentifying a user of a computer-implemented game and indicatingperformance of a location-based action by the user, the location-basedaction being performed at a location external to thecomputer-implemented game, access an account of the user, identify thecomputer-implemented game from the account, and credit, using the atleast one processor, the account with a reward based on the receivedverification data indicating the performance of the location-basedaction by the user at the location, the reward being usable within thecomputer-implemented game.